
384 Spatial Point Patterns: Methodology and Applications with R
10.6 Monte Carlo tests
Monte Carlo methods use random simulation to replace complicated calculations in algebra and
calculus. The use of Mon te Carlo methods typically involves large numbers of simulatio ns, in order
to achieve high accuracy.
However, a Monte Carlo test
is different: it uses a re la tively sm all n umber of simulations from
the null hypothesis, and appeals to a symmetry principle instead of the law of large num bers.
Monte Carlo tests were developed independently by Barnard [79] and Dwass [249], and further
elaborated by Hope [338]. They were first applied in spatial statistics ...